Jewish Observer Issue of February 14, 2019 by Jewish Federation of CNY

9 ADAR I 5779 • FEBRUARY 14, 2019 • VOLUME XXXX, NUMBER 4 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Super Sunday a super success A few snow flurries weren’t enough to slow down the Jewish Federation of Central New York on Super Sunday. The annual phone-a-thon event on January 27 attracted more than 60 volunteers who made more than 2,000 calls to Federation

friends. By the end of the day, more than $36,000 was raised to assist Federation beneficiary agencies as well as other Jewish institutions here, nationally and abroad. “Super Sunday remains the official kickoff to the Campaign season and

Clockwise from front: Steven Greeson, Steffi Bergman, Karen Docter and Jewish Federation of Central New York Chair of the Board Ellen Weinstein performed clerical tasks at Federation’s Super Sunday.

we should all be very pleased with the pledges we secured. I was so proud of the commitment and tireless effort put in by the Federation staff and volunteers who helped organize the event, as well as all those in our community who came by to make calls, stuff envelopes or show their support,” said Neil A. Rube, Federation Campaign chair. Federation thanks Super Sunday Chair Myrna Koldin, photographer Len Levy and all the volunteers who “braved the elements” to reach out to supporters. Federation acknowledges several sponsors for their support, including American Food and Vending, Natur-Tyme, Dunkin’ Donuts and Verizon, as well as the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center for hosting the event. Federation representatives also noted that none of this would be possible without the generosity of the community members who answered their phones and made contributions, and offered their thanks.

L-r: Jewish Federation of Central New York President/CEO Michael Balanoff and Federation Board member Joel Friedman (Photos courtesy of Leonard Levy) Super Sunday officially kicks off the 2019 Campaign. If you missed the call and would like to donate now, contact Colleen Baker at 315-445-0161, ext. 102, or go to www.jewishfederationcny.org/donate.

2019 Federation Campaign Annual

Syracuse Hebrew Day School Head of School Lori Tenenbaum and SHDS student Joseph Seidman pitched in with some of the many clerical tasks.

The room bustled with activity.

Spotlight

Pay it forward and donate to the 2019 Jewish Federation of CNY Annual Campaign

Goal: $1,300,000

Thank you for your support! $649,547 as of Feb. 11, 2019

As winter weather batters populations worldwide, JDC calls for aid efforts BY JNS STAFF (JNS) – As extreme weather sweeps across the United States and Europe, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee urges the public to support local and global winter efforts that aid poor populations. JDC has provided such aid this year to more than 9,500 poor Jews, including the homebound elderly, across the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The relief – deployed to ensure protection from dipping temperatures and rising costs during the winter months – includes thousands of tons of coal, firewood and gasoline; warm clothing and bedding sets; utility subsidies; minor home repairs; and extra food and medical supplies for people with limited access to stores and facilities in inclement weather conditions. “The human toll of extreme cold, espe-

cially for vulnerable groups like the poor, elderly and children, cannot be underestimated,” said JDC CEO David M. Schizer. “As parts of America are plunged again into dangerous temperatures, the warm home and clothing we take for granted is

often out of reach for those on the margins of society, like elderly Jews in places like the former Soviet Union. See “JDC” on page 2

For more information, please contact Colleen Baker at 315-445-2040, ext. 102, or Cbaker@jewishfederationcny.org

Follow the Jewish Federation of Central New York for the latest updates! @Jewish-Federation-Of-Central-New-York @JewishFederationOfCNY

Nadezhda B. (last name withheld) shoveled coal provided to her by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the JDC-supported Hesed Social Welfare Center outside Odessa, Ukraine. (Photo by JDC)

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A

February 15..................... 5:17 pm................................................. Parashat Tetzaveh February 22..................... 5:27 pm....................................................Parashat Ki Tisa March 1........................... 5:35 pm..................................................Parashat Vayakel

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Family movie matinee Congregational notes Super Science Sunday

PLUS

The Jewish Community Center of Talks, classes, a concert, a blood The Syracuse Hebrew Day School Syracuse will hold a family movie drive and more are announced by will host two childre’s scientific local congregations. matinee of “Sing” on March 3. learning events open to the public. Stories on page 4 Story on page 3 Story on page 5

Small Business Profiles.....4-6 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Obituaries................................. 7 Classifieds................................ 8

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ FEBRUARY 14, 2019/9 ADAR I 5779

JCC Early Childhood Program’s Grand Event Smiles, hugs and laughter were said to be plentiful for the many grandparents and other visitors who came for the Grand Event on January 24-25 at the Sam Pomer-

anz Jewish Community Center’s Jerome and Phyllis Charney Early Childhood Development Program. This year’s occasion brought more than 80 visitors over the two days to enjoy story time and lunch with their preschoolers in the classrooms, as well as have an opportunity to shop at the ECDP book fair. The Early Childhood Program’s Grand Event has been an annual tradition for the past seven years.

Children and grandparents in Classroom A participated in story time on January 24 during the JCC Early Childhood Program’s Grand Event.

The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies, Inc. is seeking an office assistant. This is a permanent part-time position which will be paid hourly. The office assistant reports to the Director of the School and the Board of Directors. School sessions are held Tuesday evenings 6:30 – 8:30 pm in conjunction with the public school calendar. The location rotates among participating synagogues. The Assistant is expected to be present from 5:45 pm to 9:00 pm on school nights. The position is 12 months per year, and the workload varies seasonally between 5 and 30 hours per month. The Assistant must be available for school sessions and functions; the other work hours are flexible, as long as tasks are accomplished in a timely manner. Required skills include Google Docs, Excel spreadsheets, and word processing; desired skills are website and social media maintenance. The assistant is responsible for maintaining school records in good order, including enrollment and tuition matters in conjunction with the bookkeeper. Candidates must be organized, detail-oriented, conscientious, and reliable, and be personable and approachable to the school community. Salary commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should email a resume to Cantor Paula Pepperstone, Director, at epsteincny@gmail.com. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.

In the foreground: ECDP student Lucas Meyerhoefer looked at the cover of a book with his grandparents (l-r) Del and Brenda Meyerhoefer. In the background, from left: Marge Schwartz (hidden behind Brenda Meyerhoefer) and Lucas’ classmate Sam Engel, who was excited about a book he found, and Melissa Romano.

JDC

Continued from page 1

“Today, we are divided by many things, but we can all agree on aiding the poorest among us,” he continued. “We ask the public to support efforts – whether your hometown coat drive, volunteering in a shelter or community center, or donations overseas – that provides a warm sense of community for those who are alone.” Among poor Jewish seniors in the former Soviet Union, many of whom live on as little as $2 a day in places like Ukraine, JDC winter relief centered on the payment of recipients’ utility bills, minor home repairs, heating appliances and the distribution of winter clothing. The assistance was provided in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. In Hungary, JDC’s relief efforts focused on providing firewood to needy households, with more than 6,000 EUR

of Central New York

Syracuse Office

Bette Siegel Syracuse Editor Publisher Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc. Ellen Weinstein Chair of the Board Michael Balanoff Federation President/CEO Alan Goldberg Vice President for Communications Editorial 5655 Thompson Rd. DeWitt, NY 13214

L-r: JCC Early Childhood Program student Estelle Luttig spent some time with her Grand Event visitors, mom, Karen Luttig, and sister, Cecelia Luttig.

Binghamton Office

Rabbi Rachel Esserman Executive Editor Diana Sochor Layout Editor Ilene Pinsker Assistant Editor Jenn DePersis Production Coordinator Bonnie Rozen Advertising Representative Kathy Brown Bookkeeper Production and Management The Reporter 500 Clubhouse Rd. Vestal, NY 13850

Billing Office 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 1-800-779-7896

Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc. Web site: www.jewishfederationcny.org

Call for... Address Changes........... 315-445-2040, ext. 116 Local Articles and Announcements ......................................315-445-2040, ext. 116 ..... or e-mail JewishObserverCNY@gmail.com Advertising:.....Bonnie 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 ...........or e-mail bonnie@thereportergroup.org Advertising Billing only............1-800-779-7896

worth of firewood provided for this winter season. In partnership with local Jewish communities in Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia and Latvia, aid included flu vaccinations and hats, gloves and scarfs.

Warm bedding was delivered to Svetlana M. (last name withheld) in Babruysk, Belarus, from a representative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s Hesed Social Welfare Center. (Photo by JDC) All articles, announcements and photographs must be received by noon Wednesday, 15 days prior to publication date. Articles must be typed, double spaced and include the name of a contact person and a daytime telephone number. E-mail submissions are encouraged and may be sent to JewishObserverCNY@gmail.com. The Jewish Observer reserves the right to edit any copy. Signed letters to the editor are welcomed: they should not exceed 250 words. Names will be withheld at the discretion of the editor. All material in this newspaper has been copyrighted and is exclusive property of the Jewish Observer and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed by our writers, columnists, advertisers and by our readers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s and editors’ points of view, nor that of the Jewish Federation of Central New York. The newspaper reserves the right to cancel any advertisements at any time. This newspaper is not liable for the content of any errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. The Jewish Observer does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. THE JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (USPS 000939) (ISSN 1079-9842) Publications Periodical postage paid at Syracuse, NY and other offices. Published 24 times per year by the Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc., a non-profit corporation, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214. Subscriptions: $36/year; student $10/ year. POST MASTER: Send address change to JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214.

The Jewish Observer is a member of the American Jewish Press Association.

FEBRUARY 14, 2019/9 ADAR I 5779 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Next Jammin’ Klezmer Sunday on February 17 BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center will host a Jammin’ Klezmer Sunday musical event on Sunday, February 17, from 2-4 pm. The free performance is open to the public and anyone wishing to join in the musical jam is welcome. Organizers said, “This will be an excellent opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. Come for the music and stay for the schmooze.” The local Keyna Hora Klezmer Band will be the program’s host band. Individual members of the community and independent Jewish musical groups are invited to be a part of the performance. There will be copies of the music available for anyone who would like to join in the Jammin’ Klezmer Sunday and play with the host band. However, musicians should bring their own music stand. Any singers who would like the band to accompany them should bring copies of their music. Anyone can also choose to perform on their own or with their own group or accompanist. People of all

At right: The Keyna Hora Klezmer Band performed during a Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior kosher lunch.

ages, including pre-teens, are welcome to participate. The Keyna Hora Klezmer Band’s repertoire includes traditional Jewish and Yiddish music. There will be danc-

ers and instructors on hand to teach and lead the dancing. For more information, contact Sid Lipton at 315-6828489 or liptonsl@windstream.net.

Wishing a Successful 2019 Donations of gently used books sought foryoufund-raiser The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is seeking donations of used books in good condition for its upcoming book sale fund-raiser. Gently-used books suitable for all ages may be dropped off during regular business hours through Wednesday,

March 20, at the JCC of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. No reference books or textbooks. The JCC’s used book sale will kick off during the Center’s upcoming Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 24, from noon-4 pm. The sale will continue Monday, March

Free family movie matinee at the JCC on March 3 The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will hold a family movie matinee screening of Interactive studio’s film “Sing” on Sunday, March 3, at 2:30 pm, at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. The event is free and open to the community. “Sing” is set in a world like ours, but is entirely inhabited by animals. It tells the story of a hustling theater owner’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition. However, it becomes grander than he anticipates and its

finalists find that their lives will never be the same. Families are welcome to bring their blankets and pillows and get comfy while enjoying the movie. Popcorn and light refreshments will be served. This event is made possible by a Philip L. Holstein Community Program Fund Grant from the Jewish Federation of Central New York. Register by Thursday, February 28, to attend the JCC’s family movie matinee by contacting the JCC at 315-445-2360 or abisnett@jccsyr.org.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu FEBRUARY 18-22 Monday – tomato soup, grilled cheese Tuesday – Hawaiian chicken Wednesday – hot corned beef on rye Thursday – stuffed cabbage Friday – turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 1 Monday – Teriyaki crispy baked chicken wings Tuesday – beef brisket Wednesday – mushroom barley soup, salmon with honey sesame drizzle Thursday – mac and cheese Friday – orange-glazed chicken The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Save Sunday, March 10, 2019 for the Hilbert Maloﬀ Syracuse Reunion! Bert/Hibsy was the founder of this fun event. We honor his memory. Join us to have Fun, Meet, Greet and Eat (bring your own) to the South Palm Beach County Civic Center (picnic area) at 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach, Florida, from 11 AM un�l 2 PM.

Center offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday through Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are required by noon on the previous business day. There is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change. The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For further information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 315-445-2360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org. HUNT Real Estate ERA

Always There For You

If your home doesn’t sell, we will buy it* *Ask about our sellers security plan - Some restrictions apply

S E N I L D A E D

Deadlines for all articles and photos for the Support for Jewish Observer are as follows. No exceptions will made.Synagogue The Tree ofbeLife

DEADLINE

ISSUE and Pittsburgh Wednesday, February 13............. February 28

Wednesday, February 27................. March 14 BRETT KUPPERMANN Wednesday, March 13..................... March 28 Wednesday, Marchbrett.kuppermann@nm.com 27........................April 11 (315)727-2888

Wishing you a Successful 2019 Jewish Community Center

BRETT KUPPERMANN (315)727-2888

brett.kuppermann@nm.com

Wishing you a Successful 2019

(315)727-2888

BUY • SELL • BUILD HUNT REAL ESTATE’S TOP PRODUCING TEAM

Make out your $10.00 check to Ellie Hayman. Send to 13589 Morocca Lake Lane, Delray Beach, Florida 33446 by February 28, 2019. All proceeds go to the Syracuse Jewish Cemetary Associa�on. Pat Randall-Meltzer, Ellie Freeman, Marlene Maloﬀ and Marcia Schotz are assis�ng Ellie Hayman. Looking for addi�onal volunteers. If interested, please contact me at ebh312@gmail.com.

brett.kuppermann@nm.com

BRETT KUPPERMANN

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

315-744-0831 315-446-5366 andrew.alpern@huntrealestate.com cnykeyteam.com

(315)727-2888

Syracuse Hebrew Day School

Fayetteville-Dewitt Branch 6849 East Genesee St. Fayetteville, NY 13066 (315)446-4681

ANDREW ALPERN D: F: E: W:

25, through Friday, April 5, during the JCC’s regular Syracuse Jewish Federation business hours. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the JCC’s children’s and senior’s programs. BRETT KUPPERMANN For more information, contact the JCC at 315-4452360 or abisnett@jccsyr.org.

Visit the JO online at jewishfederationcny.org and click on Jewish Observer

brett.kuppermann@nm.com

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ FEBRUARY 14, 2019/9 ADAR I 5779

CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas LUNCH AND LEARN The Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas monthly Shabbat Lunch and Learn will take place on Saturday, February 16, following services at noon, with time beforehand for participants to put together an extended kiddush lunch plate to bring to the session. Continuing CBS-CS’ six-part series on the various expressions of Jewish tradition, Rabbi Michael Weingarten, an Orthodox rabbi and current medical student at SUNY Upstate, will share his perspective on Orthodox Judaism. CBS-CS HAZAK – FORMER ISRAELI DIPLOMAT CLARA VESTERMAN-STARR On Sunday, February 24, at 10 am, former Israeli diplomat and current Syracuse University doctoral student Clara Vesterman-Starr will share her knowledge and personal stories. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions about topics ranging from Israeli culture to politics, past or present. As a Soviet Union-born and Israel-raised woman, Vesterman-Starr is no stranger to the issues of immigration and its difficulties. She has had her share of moving from country to country, working in Israel, Kazakstan, Latvia and other places. As a former diplomat, she is said to be savvy in Israeli politics and culture, while being aware of the connection between the state and the Jewish Diaspora worldwide.

As deputy head of mission to the Baltic States (2002-06), she had the opportunity to witness the rebirth of the Jewish community in the Baltics, especially in Riga and Vilnius. This Hazak event will kick off after the joint Conservative minyan with a 10 am bagel breakfast. The program is free of charge and open to the community. Vesterman-Starr was born in the Soviet Republic of Latvia in Riga. Her mother is from Riga, and her father moved there from Saint Petersburg after finishing medical school. When she was almost 7 years old, her parents decided to immigrate to Israel. Growing up as an immigrant family, they often moved from one city to another until they finally bought their first house, which is how she ended up going through her teenage years on the West Bank. Following standard military service in the Israeli Air Force, she graduated with a B.S.N. from Tel-Aviv University and practiced in the first children’s hospital in Israel. As a student, she worked with new immigrants during the wave of immigration from the former Soviet Union. She married an oleh-hadash (new immigrant) from Riga. Together, they worked for the Sohnut and spent two years in Kazakhstan. She applied and was accepted to the Foreign Ministry’s cadets’ course, followed by a career as an Israeli diplomat. As a deputy speaker of the Ministry

Barks & Rec

Specialty: Doggie daycare, hotel and self-service washand-go Location: 8098 Brewerton Rd. Cicero NY, 13039 Name: Maria Phone: 315-214-8122 E-mail: barksandrec@ymail.com Website: http://www.barksandrec.biz/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarksRec Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 am-6:30 pm, Sat.-Sun 9 am-2 pm; 24/7 dog hotel “Here at Barks & Rec, whether your four-legged friend is here for daycare, boarding, grooming, or the Do-it-Yourself wash, we make it our priority to ensure that every one of our guests are as comfortable as possible during their stay,” says owner Maria. “Between the fenced-in woof-less Puppy-PlayPlace and the indoor Leash-Free-Lounge, our veterinarian recommended facility includes a multitude of amenities so that we can accommodate guests of all shapes and sizes. It can be real ruff staying home alone all day, waiting for your best friend to come home from work, so bring your furry friend down to Barks & Rec and we’ll turn that sad howl into a smile from the jowl!”

Serving CNY for your Real Estate needs...

finding you the home that is the perfect fit! 2017

r g Sta Risin Winner d s r Awa w Agent e for N anlius! in M

Laurie Kushner

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson HUNT Realestate ERA 7650 Highbridge Rd., Suite 210 Manlius, NY 13104 Laurie.kushner@huntrealestate.com 315-420-2668 Cell 315-682-7197 Office 315-672-8914 Fax RealestatebyLaurieKushner.com

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

See “CBS-CS” on page 7

Temple Adath Yeshurun theme for March will be Purim. There will be a kiddush lunch following services. For more information, contact Alicia Gross at alicia@adath.org. BLOOD DRIVE On Sunday, March 3, from 9 am-2 pm, Temple Adath Yeshurun will sponsor a blood drive through the American Red Cross. The event will be held in the

MISHPACHA SHABBAT On Saturday, March 2, Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold its monthly Mishpacha Shabbat program. There will be services for every age from tots to school age. Mishpacha Shabbat will begin at 10:30 am. Tots (ages birth to 5 years) will meet in the Muriel and Avron Spector Library and junior congregation (grades 1-5) will meet in Room 15, the youth lounge. The

See “TAY” on page 5

Temple Concord “KAFKA’S METAMORPHOSIS: THE MUSICAL!” IN CONCERT AT TC BY CHANA MEIR Selections from “Kafka’s Metamorphosis: The Musical!” will be performed as part of Temple Concord’s Regina F. Goldenberg Series on Sunday, March 3, at 2 pm. The original musical premiered to “rave reviews” at the Montreal Fringe Festival in June 2018. Writers and cast members will perform songs from the show, provide commentary about the story and participate in a question-and-answer period with audience members. According to the musical’s website, the show brings “Kafka’s mystifying and mesmerizing novella…to hilarious and haunting musical life onstage.” The show is produced by the Shylock Project, a Syracuse-based theater company. Its production of “Orson Welles/Shylock,” from which it took its name, was nominated for Best English Language Production at the 2017 Montréal

Cheryl E. Schotz – Howard Hanna R.E. Services

Specialty: Real estate in the Manlius/Syracuse area Location: 102 W. Seneca St. #110 Manlius, NY 13104 Name: Cheryl E. Schotz Phones: 315-682-9500, ext. 329 315-447-4062 E-mail: cherylschotz@howardhanna.com Website: cherylschotz.howardhanna.com No one knows more about the opportunities in Syracuse and the surrounding areas than Cheryl E. Schotz, “The Manlius Specialist – Making All the Best Things Happen!” Cheryl is a licensed associate real estate broker with Howard Hanna R.E. Services. She has been a full-time agent since 1981, focusing on Fayetteville-Manlius, Pompey, Jamesville, DeWitt, Syracuse East, Cazenovia and Skaneateles. She specializes in several areas of real estate – listing agent, buyer broker, new construction, relocation, first-time buyer and senior residential specialist. Cheryl continues to upgrade her education, people skills and computer skills, giving her a competitive edge among real estate professionals. She is on the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Foundation of CNY and the Greater Manlius Chamber of Commerce boards, and was the recipient of the 2018 Hanna G. Solomon Award. Cheryl is always available to assist you at 315-447-4062 or cherylschotz@howardhanna.com.

LARRY METZGER Owner

Fringe Festival. The troupe includes theater students from Lemoyne College. Admission for this event is $10, $8 for students or it can be used as part of a flex subscription. It includes light refreshments. For more information, contact Temple Concord at 315-4759952 or office@templeconcord.org. For more information on the play, visit kafkamusical.com. JEWISH DIASPORA SERIES: ETHIOPIAN JEWRY Temple Concord’s Diaspora series will study “The History of Ethiopian Jewry” on Tuesday, March 4, at 6:30 pm. Participants will have the opportunity to try traditional Ethiopian food, as the event will take place at Habiba’s Ethiopian Kitchen at 656 Salina St., Syracuse. Each participant will pay for their own dinner. Call the TC office at 315-475-9952 to reserve a space. The dinner is open to the public.

See “TC” on page 7

Fashion Exchange Consignment Clothing

Specialty: Women’s consignment clothier Location: Lyndon Corners 6903 E. Genesee St. Fayetteville, NY 13066 Name: Jean Daily Phone: 315-251-0414 E-mail: Feconsignment@gmail.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 am-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-5 am Fashion Exchange Consignment Clothing is located at Lyndon Corners in DeWitt. The shop offers gently used as well as new upscale boutique women’s clothing sized 0-24. Labels include Bryn Walker, Lilith, Gucci, Carlisle and Chico’s. Fashion Exchange provides a large selection of clothing, handbags, jewelry and more. New items arrive daily and consignors provide goods from all over the world! Come in for a truly a unique shopping experience. Fashion Exchange accepts consignments by appointment only and is always looking for designer clothing and handbags. Stop in and see what’s new! Gift certificates are available.

Did you know?

(NAPSA) – Growing small businesses can simplify collaboration by using productivity apps that bring chat, meetings, files and business apps together into one platform. To help, Microsoft’s chat-based workspace, Teams, is now available in a free version. Read more at aka.ms/freeteams. (NAPSI) – To learn more about 10 all-star microbusinesses, including how they got their starts, tackled challenges, and the techniques and technologies that have led to their success, download a Microsoft e-book at https://info.microsoft.com/10under10eBook.html?wt. mc_id=AID608734_QSG_145084.

L-M PAINTING Residential/Commercial 6340 Danbury Drive Jamesville, NY 13078-9729 (315) 446-0966 Fax (315) 446-1555 Email:LMPainting@aol.com

315.214.8122 8098 Brewerton Rd. Cicero, NY

www.barksandrec.biz

FEBRUARY 14, 2019/9 ADAR I 5779 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

Syracuse International Folk Dancers to offer introductory series of international dance classes Syracuse International Folk Dancers will offer an introductory series of international dance classes, to be held on Thursdays, beginning February 21, from 7:308:30 pm, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society, 109 Waring Rd. (corner of Nottingham Rd.), Syracuse. Participants will have the opportunity to learn ethnic dances from Israel, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Wales

TAY

Continued from page 4

carpeted foyer at Temple Adath Yeshurun (450 Kimber Rd.). Donors are asked to enter through the synagogue’s main entrance, under the canopy. To make an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code templeadath. Appointments are encouraged and preferred; however, walk-ins are welcome and may have to wait for an available donor slot.

At right: Nora Sharkey tasted pomegranate seeds to celebrate Tu B’Shevat during Storah Time, the Jewish enrichment program at Rothschild Early Childhood Center. The program is held on Tuesday mornings from 1010:45 am at Temple Adath Yeshurun.

and other countries. Most dances are non-partner, so everyone can join in. The series of classes costs $40. For more informa-

tion, contact Syracuse International Folk Dancers at SyracuseIFD@twcny.rr.com, visit the website, sifd. kbhavens.com, or go to the group’s Facebook page.

A Super Science Sunday at SHDS BY LORI TENENBAUM On Sunday, March 3, the Syracuse Hebrew Day School will host two events that are open to the public. The first is the school’s BUDS (Bringing Up Day Schoolers) program from 1-2 pm. It is designed for children ages 3-8 and their families. It is titled “Scientific Sunday” and will have experiments, activities, stories and snacks geared toward younger children. At 2 pm, there will be the second annual “Family Science Sunday” designed for children of all ages. The school will host the children’s families in the SHDS cafeteria. The theme of this event will be “Science Rocks” and participants will learn about geology. There will be prizes for children who bring in a rock to examine. Space is limited, so reservations should be made as soon as possible by contacting the school at sgalek@ shds.org or 315-446-1900. At right: Syracuse Hebrew Day School students prepared for hands-on science learning.

Hebrew Interest-Free Loan

The Jewish Federation of Central New York has instituted the Hebrew Interest-Free Loan program to help Jewish people get past a temporary financial need. To learn more about the program or to see if you qualify, visit the Federation’s website, www.jewishfederationcny.org.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Specialty: Residential Real Estate Location: 102 W. Seneca St. Suite 110 Manlius, NY 13104 Name: Beth R. MacCrindle, Licensed Associate RE Broker Phones: 315-682-9500, ext. 354 315-299-7794 (cell) E-mail: bethmaccrindle@howardhanna.com Website: howardhanna.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm, also available nights and weekends “My priority is completely satisfied clients who want to refer me to their friends and family,” says Beth R. MacCrindle of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “My clients work directly with me throughout the entire process. I encourage them to contact me anytime, even after their house has closed. I want to thank members of my community for their continued support and business.” Beth’s strengths include understanding color, space and design, as she taught art for many years. “My creative abilities extend into marketing and negotiating the best deal for you,” says Beth. “I will work hard for you in every detail and step of the way. I also have sophisticated photographic equipment to help show off the features of your property! Consider ‘interviewing’ me if you’re thinking of buying or selling your home.”

Judy Winslow – HUNT Real Estate ERA

Specialty: Licensed associate real estate broker Location: 7650 Highbridge Rd. Suite 210 Manlius, NY 13104 Name: Judy M. Winslow, ABR, CRS, SRES Phone: 315-682-1950 E-mail: judy.winslow@huntrealestate.com Website: www.judywinslowrealtor.com Hours: Always open Judy Winslow’s real estate career started more than 30 years ago in New York City selling commercial real estate. Today, she is repeatedly one of the top producing associate real estate brokers for HUNT Real Estate ERA. “Every single client gets my undivided attention. And all of my clients benefit from my professionalism,” says Judy. “My negotiation skills, creative marketing and conflict resolution abilities are what get deals done. Contact me today and get your house sold! I love serving as your professional CNY realtor. I sincerely believe Central New York is a great place to live!”

L-M Painting

Specialty: Quality interior/exterior residential and commercial painting with a personal touch Name: Larry Metzger Location: 6340 Danbury Dr. Jamesville, NY 13078-9729 Phone: 315-446-0966 Fax: 315-446-1555 E-mail: LMPainting@aol.com Serving Central New York for 36 years, L-M Painting provides professional, quality and personalized service to its many satisfied customers. Owner Larry Metzger takes the time to discuss every project’s details, assisting customers in color selection with a variety of samples. Larry often works alongside his crew – when the job’s complete, your home or workplace will be left immaculate. The company repairs water-damaged ceilings and walls, and can do other minor repairs. Wall covering removal, and interior and exterior painting are among the services offered. Larry is a longtime member of the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America and serves on its Executive Board as treasurer of the Central New York chapter. L-M Painting is rated a 5-Star Contractor by The Home Depot and Angie’s List. L-M Painting is fully insured and offers free estimates.

Fayetteville

Fashion Exchange

Women’s Consignment Clothing

Monday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday - Friday 10am - 6pm • Saturdays 10am - 4pm We welcome new consignors by appointment only. New and gently used clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. New Fall & Winter Arrivals Daily! Sizes 0-24.

Coach, Lilith, Chico's, Flax, Carlisle, Tory Burch, Free People, St. John, Milly, True Religion, Krista Larson, Bryn Walker and many, many more.

Gift Certificates available

(315)251-0414

6903 E. Genesee St., Lyndon Corners, Fayetteville, NY 13066

Visit the JO online at jewishfederationcny.org and click on Jewish Observer

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ FEBRUARY 14, 2019/9 ADAR I 5779

Calendar Highlights

To see a full calendar of community events, visit the Federation's community calendar online at www.jewishfederationcny.org. Please notify jstander@jewishfederationcny.org of any calendar changes.

Wednesday, February 13 Deadline for February 28 Jewish Observer Friday, February 15 Temple Adath Yeshurun Tot Shabbat and dinner at 5:30 pm Sunday, February 17 Free Klezmer Sunday concert at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center at 2 pm Tuesday, February 19 Temple Concord Talmud with Rabbi Fellman at 12:30 pm Sunday February 24 Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak sees “Mamma Mia” at CNY Community Playhouse at 2 pm Tuesday, February 26 Epstein School for Jewish Studies at TAY from 6:308:30 pm TC Talmud with Rabbi Fellman at 12:30 pm Wednesday, February 27 Deadline for March 14 Jewish Observer Syracuse Community Hebrew School at Temple Concord from 4-6 pm

D’VAR TORAH This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! BY RABBI ANDREW PEPPERSTONE In the Torah portion Terumah, we heard the plans for the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary that Israel built. The entire portion is conceptual. Nothing happens other than God conveying the Mishkan’s plans to Moses. The skills needed to make this portable structure include spinning, weaving, carving, sculpting, shaping, cutting, hammering, engraving and more. The Mishkan begins as a divine idea waiting for human hands to make it real. In parashat Tetzaveh, the Torah includes the first action toward making the Mishkan real: produce the olive oil for the menorah: “You shall further command B’nai Yisrael to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly.” (Shemot 27:20) A few questions about this first mitzvah: first, what exactly is the mitzvah and how should B’nai Yisrael do it? Second, why is this the first action commanded in the making of the Mishkan? Third, given that we no longer have the menorah standing in a Beit Mikdash in Jerusalem, is there another way to read this mitzvah that can teach us something today? In our day, we have no shortage of extra virgin olive oil in our grocery stores, but back in ancient times, it was difficult to produce high quality olive oil. Rashi teaches

us about the difficult process of producing pure olive oil. Regarding the word “clear,” he says that it must be without any impurities, by crushing the olives gently by hand in a mortar and pestle. Rashi adds that only the first drop of oil from each olive is fit for lighting the menorah in the Mishkan. Imagine how many olives and how much work it would take to maintain the oil supply for the menorah, which was lit every day! Given the daunting nature of this task, why is this mitzvah first? The classic Torah commentaries hone in on two qualities of this mitzvah. Rashbam, Rashi’s grandson, comments that the term “command” in the verse teaches that this oil production was actually for every generation. Even when the Mishkan was completed, oil production continued, since the Mishkan would always need oil. In addition, the mitzvah also applied before the Mishkan was complete in order to give B’nai Yisrael something to do immediately. They were engaged in a mitzvah without having to wait. The commentator Ibn Ezra adds that many items for the Mishkan were so expensive that only B’nai Yisrael’s leaders would have had access to them, but everyone could participate in the service of the Mishkan through See “Light” on page 7

Laurie Kushner – Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Don’t miss the boat...

advertise! To advertise, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

Specialty: Residential real estate in Central New York Location: 7650 Highbridge Rd., Suite 210 Manlius NY 13104 Name: Laurie Kushner Phone: 315-420-2668 E-mail: laurie.kushner@huntrealestate.com Website: RealEstatebyLaurieKushner.com Laurie Kushner is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson working for HUNT Real Estate ERA in Manlius. She received the 2017 Rising Star Award for new agents from Hunt Manlius and is now part of the House2Home Team. “I am excited to be working in the real estate industry with this amazing company!” says Laurie. “I have lived in Manlius for the last 30 years and have raised my children here. I am proud to call Central New York my home! As a certified personal trainer, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and a fourth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I know what commitment and hard work entail. I am ready to work hard for you to find the home that is the perfect fit!”

Malara Eyecare & Eyewear Gallery

Specialty: “Professional Eye Care With A Personal Touch” Locations: Fayetteville and Liverpool offices Names: Dr. Richard Malara, Dr. Matthew Durkin and Dr. Muen Yang Phones: 315-622-3500 (Liverpool) 315-445-9856 (Fayetteville) Faxes: 315-622-3522 (Liverpool) 315-445-9802 (Fayetteville) E-mails: liverpool@drmalara.com fayetteville@drmalara.com Website: www.DrMalara.com Hours: Evenings and Saturday appointments available in both offices Dr. Richard Malara has been providing “Professional Eye Care With A Personal Touch” to the people of Central New York since 1992. He has been involved in numerous “Gift of Sight” community service projects, as well as many overseas medical missions projects. Dr. Malara is a Syracuse native who has chosen to locate his practices here to give back to the community he was raised in. Dr. Matthew Durkin grew up in Central New York and has been practicing in this area for over 15 years. Dr. Muen Yang speaks English, French and Mandarin Chinese, and takes the time to provide comprehensive eyecare. The experienced and friendly doctors and staff provide state-of-the-art eye care while keeping your individual needs and concerns as their primary focus. “We’re your local Eyecare and Eyewear Gallery.”

William M. Tucker, M.D.

Specialty: Ophthalmology Location: 4000 Medical Center Dr. Ste. 207 Fayetteville, NY 13066 Name: William M. Tucker, M.D. Phone: 315-637-1010 Fax: 315-315-2010 E-mail: office@tuckereyecare.com Website: www.tuckereyecare.com Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7:30 am-5 pm, Fri. 7:30 am-12 pm Dr. William Tucker, born and raised in Syracuse, graduated from Nottingham High School, Swarthmore College, University of Virginia Medical School, University of Rochester (Strong Memorial Hospital) Residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and University of Washington Residency and Research Fellowship in Ophthalmology. He achieved board certification in Ophthalmology as well as Internal Medicine, a rare combination. Dr. Tucker has practiced ophthalmology in the Syracuse area since 1988, treating patients with eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye and macular degeneration. He provides eye care to patients of all ages, especially patients with emergency eye problems. The office has free parking and accepts most insurance plans. Dr. Tucker’s family taught him the importance of helping others. Carrying on his family tradition, he supports numerous community charities and the Dalai Lama.

FEBRUARY 14, 2019/9 ADAR I 5779 ■

SOPHIA SHOSHANA HELLER

Sophia (Shoshana) Heller, 93, died on January 27 at Forest View Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Forest Hills, NY. Born in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, to Klara and Boris Izrailevsky, she survived World War II with her mother in evacuation in Siberia, where she lost her father and sister, Tamara. She worked at a factory and attended college at night, majoring in Russian language and literature. Several members of her family who stayed in Kiev – including one of her grandmothers, an aunt and 3-year-old niece – died at the hands of the German occupiers and their local collaborators in Babi Yar, a ravine in Kiev where tens of thousands of Holocaust victims were killed. After the war, in 1945, she and her mother returned to Kiev and discovered that someone had illegally taken possession of their apartment. Since the two women were not able to get the apartment back, they had to move to Lvov, a major city in western Ukraine, where Sophia’s mother’s youngest brother, Naum, a Red Army veteran, invited them to stay with him. There, Sophia met her husband, Joseph Heller, a Red Army veteran whose whole family had perished in the Lvov Ghetto. She graduated from medical school and later worked as a pediatrician at a hospital, and then as the head doctor at a children’s clinic. Joseph worked in a tailor shop and studied at night. He advanced to become the chief production officer at a large clothing corporation. They both retired in 1979 and emigrated to America, joining their daughter, Lucy, in Syracuse in 1982. Resettled by Syracuse Jewish Family Service, they rediscovered their Judaism and attended their grandchildren’s bar mitzvahs. In 1983, seeking job opportunities, they moved to Queens, NY, and joined Anshe Sholom Jewish Center. Sophia studied English at Touro College and consulted sick children in the Russian community. Joseph worked part-time in a tailor shop until his death in 2010. She was predeceased by her parents, sister and husband. She is survived by her daughters, Lucy (Mark) Kleiner and Ella Geller; grandchildren Anatole (Jessica) Kleiner, Ralph (Jane) Kleiner and Henry Kogan; and great-grandchildren Hannah, Benjamin, Naomi, Nathan and Daniel. Burial was in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Glendale, NY. Yereim Orthodox Chapel made the arrangements. Contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Central New York, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, NY 13214.  Continued from page 6

the mitzvah of the olive oil. Imagine 600,000 drops of the purest olive oil, sealed in containers, waiting to be used. Every member of B’nai Yisrael could look at the Mishkan and know that their work was keeping the lights on. The mitzvah of the oil was something that everyone could do, now and forever. Given that the Mishkan and menorah are gone, what could the mitzvah of the olive oil teach us today? There is a mystical teaching that every person contains an inner point of potential light waiting to be extracted and lit – a primordial drop of the Divine or Godliness. Like each drop of oil, our inner point of light connects us to the root of all life. Each drop of oil comes from an olive, which connects to the branch, which came from the trunk, which grew upward from the roots. Similarly, our inner point of light connects us back to God, the Root of Life. Our task today is to extract that inner point of potential light and use it to light up our world. Like the process of making the oil, extracting this point of light is demanding work, requiring each of us to remove its impurities, those qualities that hold us back from reaching our potential, so that its light shines as brightly as possible. Ibn Ezra taught that this mitzvah is a public obligation. In that vein, we work to extract our inner light not for our own sake, but for the sake of the entire community. It is not even for God! If God is the source of light, why would God need light? In the Babylonian Talmud, Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani says that when God tells Moses that B’nai Yisrael should bring the oil “to you,” God implied “and not to Me. I do not need light.” (Menachot 86b) This light is for us. Just as B’nai Yisrael collected all their oil together for lighting the menorah, every point of light from us joins together to bring even greater light into our world. This is the essence of the service of the Mishkan. As you enter the coming Shabbat, think about your innermost point of light. Have you been working to make it shine? How can you remove its impurities to let your light shine out to those around you? How do you use your innermost light to dispel the darkness around you? May this be a week of using our innermost light to bring light to a world often filled with darkness. Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone is the rabbi at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas.

NEWS IN BRIEF

OBITUARIES

Light

JEWISH OBSERVER

SHIRLEY SAVLOV

From JNS.org

Shirley Savlov, 85, died on January 25 at Loretto. Born in Rochester, she had been a resident of Syracuse since 1952. She was a legal secretary throughout her professional career until retiring. She was an avid Syracuse University sports fan and enjoyed going to the games with her husband, Joel. Shirley was a former member of Temple Concord. She had been a resident of The Oaks of DeWitt for the past few years and enjoyed the company of the friends that she made there. She was predeceased by her husband, Joel. She is survived by her children, Carolyn (Jim) Simmons, Scott Savlov and David (Kelly) Savlov; grandchildren Emily, Dan (Melissa), Brian, Jason and Matthew; and great-granddaughters Madison and Teagan. Funeral services and burial were private for the immediate family. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

U.K. Jewish watchdog group: 16 percent increase in antisemitic attacks in 2018

Arab residents of the village Nabi Samuel, north of Jerusalem, recently razed the archaeological garden at the Tomb of the Prophet Samuel, utilizing heavy machinery apparently to construct a parking lot as a way of collecting parking fees from visitors. Regavim, a nonprofit organization that seeks to guard Israel’s land resources against illegal takeover and construction, reported the development occurring without permits and against the law. It filed a request with the Civil Administration, the law-enforcement body in Area C, calling for the work to cease immediately. “It is difficult to assess the extent of the damage to the archeological site or the potential damage to the still-unexplored, ancient sub-strata,” said Yishai Hemo, Regavim’s field director for Judea and Samaria.

Continued from page 4

TEMPLE CONCORD TO MARK ITS 180TH CONGREGATION ANNIVERSARY In honor of its 180th anniversary, Temple Concord will hold a year-long celebration of programs, classes, events and services. Among the events marking the 10-times chai anniversary are a gala weekend celebration September 6-8 featuring Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism; services using the liturgy of earlier generations throughout the year, followed by Shabbat dinners which will include dishes from those generations; classes on the synagogue’s history; celebrations for families and the community; and much more. In addition, as Temple Concord looks forward to the next 180 years, there will be the formation of a 180th Anniversary Jewish Education Fund, which will endow the synagogue’s educational programming for generations to come. A new Concord Alumni Association will connect those who have been a part of the synagogue throughout its history. Current members can look forward to welcoming alumni at various events. As Rabbi Daniel Fellman noted in his erev Rosh Hashanah 5779 (September 9, 2018) message, “Were it not for Max Thalheimer, Joseph Schloss, Samuel Manheimer and Hesh Rosenbach, the Temple Concord we all know and love would not exist. They were our founding fathers, the dreamers, the ones in the room where it happened.” Founded in 1839, Temple Concord is the ninth oldest Reform synagogue in the country, and has been a constant in the Syracuse Jewish and general community. Details of events and activities will be forthcoming throughout the year and will be available at www. templeconcord.org.

Your ad should be here! To advertise, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

British Jewry reported 16 percent more antisemitic incidents in 2018 than in the previous year, breaking the record for the third year in a row, and tripling since 2013. The Community Security Trust, British Jewry’s largest antisemitism watchdog group, reported on Feb. 6 that the most common type of attack is verbal at 29 percent of attacks, or 483 reported incidents. In attacks in which victims described their perpetrators, 64 percent were described as European and 37 percent Arab, black or South Asian. The Community Security Trust noted that violent antisemitic assaults were down 17 percent from 2018, with 123 physical attacks reported. There were 148 incidents directly linked to British Labour Party and the public debate over antisemitism sparked by party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Arab residents raze historical archaeological garden in Jerusalem

CBS-CS

Continued from page 4

of Foreign Affairs to the Russian speaking press, she covered the intifada of 2000, which started after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount. Soon thereafter, she worked closely with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres. Her posting as a deputy head of mission to the Baltic states between 2002 and 2006 was a personal closure, she has said, as she returned to her birthplace as a diplomat representing the state of Israel. It also allowed her to be accepted by the reborn Jewish community as “one of their own,” allowing her to develop “beautiful relationships” that have lasted through today. In 2006, she developed a disability and resigned from the foreign service. Returning to Israel, she worked in the Central Bureau of Statistics until she was accepted to the doctorate program of teaching and leadership at Syracuse University. Her dissertation, “Walking the Walk of Disability in Nursing and Healthcare,” focuses on disability studies to nurses and caregivers.

birnbaum funeral service, inc. CONTINUOUSLY FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1934 Martin J. & Elaine R. Birnbaum Joel M. Friedman 1909 East Fayette Street • Syracuse, New York 13210 315-472-5291 E-MAIL: birnbaumfs@cnymail.com WEB: birnbaumfuneralserviceinc.com

Wishing everyone a Happy Passover!

birnbaum funeral service inc. ,

C O N T I N U O U S LY FA M I LY O W N E D S I N C E 1 9 3 4 Martin J. & Elaine R. Birnbaum Joel M. Friedman 1909 East Fayette Street • Syracuse, New York 13210 315-472-5291 E-MAIL: birnbaumfs@cnymail.com • WEB: birnbaumfuneralserviceinc.com

Wishing everyone a Happy Rosh Hashanah!

birnbaum funeral service inc.

Visit the JO online at jewishfederationcny.org and click on Jewish Observer

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ FEBRUARY 14, 2019/9 ADAR I 5779

In Beersheva, the difference a decade can make

BY MEGAN E. TURNER (JNS) – Ten years ago, the idea that leading corporations and technology companies would be actively growing business opportunities in the Negev Desert would have sounded like a fantasy. Not any longer. In November, for the second year in a row, more than 40 diverse employment organizations and 180 human-resources teams came together for the Negev Human Resources Conference in Beersheva, Israel. The conference was held as a medium to facilitate, create, strengthen and develop connections between organizations that promote employment in the Negev and human-resource managers, senior business organizations, industrial enterprises and leading employers in the Negev. Organized and sponsored by the Lauder Employment Center, Jewish National Fund-USA , Eretz-Ir, the Manufacturers Association of Israel and Menora Insurance Group, the YES Planet Be’er Sheva Cineplex buzzed with people exchanging information and making plans for how to take their new connections into the real world and make solid, quality job placements happen in Israel’s southern region. “Deep, unique connections such as these happen only here in the Negev,” said Pnina Abutbul, director of Employer Relations at Eretz-Ir, as she addressed the crowd. The 2018 conference focused on employment management in a multi-generational era and the tension between the X, Y and Z generations, which is at the center of the agenda of employers in the Negev, both small and large. The nature of the event’s participants also encouraged the discussion of cross-cultural and cross-sector employment opportunities and challenges. As part of its massive “Blueprint Negev” strategy to revitalize southern Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA has been a partner of Eretz-Ir and the Lauder Employment Center, strategically supporting its vision for a socioeconomic boom in the Negev. Russell Robinson, CEO of JNF-USA, addressed participants and was joined by Bruce K. Gould of Orlando, FL, JNF-USA’s president-elect. For Robinson, “It’s unbelievable… that the discussion today is about how to employ different generations into the employment sector [in the Negev]. We started working in Beersheva 20 years ago and this conference could never have happened then,” pointing to the fast-paced growth and development happening in the region, which is encouraging younger generations to stay, giving stability to the older generations already there and increasing the quality of life for all Negev residents. “You hold in your hand the next 50, 75, 100 years of life here in the Negev – that’s how powerful of a responsibility you have. The differences you’ll make today will be felt for the next century,” added Robinson. One employment organization working to find quality jobs for the population it serves is Beersheva’s Olim Department that focuses on new immigrants to Israel. Elena Linkovsky, employment director for the department, explained, “We provide support in all areas of life for new immigrants choosing to settle in Beersheva. They are a part of the rich human capital which contributes to the growth of the region, and we want them to stay and develop roots here.” One challenge for these immigrants is finding work that allows them the chance to acclimate to their new culture, and to use their international perspective and skills set. “Events of this kind create an encounter be-

More than 40 diverse employment organizations and 180 human-resources teams came together for the second annual Negev Human Resources Conference in Beersheva, Israel, in November. (Photo courtesy of JNF-USA)

NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

U.S. warns of action against companies trading with Iran

The United States on Feb. 7 warned those who seek to do business with Tehran, thereby violating U.S. sanctions on the regime. “Anyone actually using it to trade on anything other than humanitarian activity is going to be sanctioned by the United States,” said U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland. “We’ll find them and sanction them, and they won’t be doing any business with the United States.” This threat implies that the European effort to create a special purpose vehicle to circumvent U.S. sanctions on Iran will “will sit there and will be little used,” he said. Sondland’s words follow the U.S. State Department saying in late January that it is “closely following” the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges, or INSTEX, that enables European nations to still do transactions with the Islamic Republic despite U.S. financial sanctions. INSTEX was set up by Germany, the United Kingdom and France (the three European signatories of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, collectively referred to as the E3). This attempted workaround is expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, reported Bloomberg.

U.S. slams Iran amid reports of another failed space launch

The United States denounced Iran after the regime reportedly underwent a second failed space launch in less than a month “in defiance of the international community” by developing and testing ballistic missiles. “Space-launch vehicles use technologies that are virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, including in Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs),” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino on Feb. 7. “This attempted launch furthers Iran’s ability to eventually build such a weapon that threatens our allies.” The development came as Iran launched a satellite-carrying rocket into space in January that successfully passed its first and second phases, but did not reach “necessary speed” in the third stage of its release. In light of the failed launches, the State Department accused Iran each time of violating U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which adopted the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Israeli technology comes to the rescue in Brazil to help with water crisis LARRY METZGER Owner

L-M PAINTING Residential/Commercial

6340 Danbury Drive Jamesville, NY 13078-9729 (315) 446-0966 Fax (315) 446-1555 Email:LMPainting@aol.com

Your ad SHould be here! To advertise, contact Bonnie at 1-800-779-7896, ext 244 or bonnie@thereportergroup.org

tween the two sides of the employment equation – the job-seekers and the employers,” said Linkovsky. “The discourse created here… makes it possible to bring about change and to affect the entire employment world of the Negev. It is helping us greatly improve the quality of life for those we serve.” Ibrahim Krinawi, director of professional internships at Ri’an Employment Centers, noted that “it’s so important for me to be here and look for new partners. It changes the way I think and allows for a lot of potential output on my end – I have a lot of work waiting for me as soon as we are done.” That’s because the real work begins after the conference ends, with employment organizations and potential employers making their connections come to life by follow-up meetings in order to make the right job match. With the help of organizations like Jewish National Fund-USA and Eretz-Ir, the explosion of Israel’s newest and most innovative tech sectors in the Negev are said to be giving the next generation the chance to be a part of a social revolution that will shape Israel’s economy for years to come.

Brazil will receive 10 generators that use Israeli technology to produce pure, clean-drinking water from ambient air, according to Brazilian Minister of Science Marcos Cesar Pontes. The revelation came to light on Feb. 5 when Pontes

was in Israel as part of Brazil’s mission to this year’s Cybertech conference in TelAviv. During his visit, Pontes toured Watergen’s headquarters, where he tasted the fresh water produced by the GEN-350. He also met with Watergen’s president, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili. Each of the 10 units is a GEN-350 atmospheric water generator, developed by the Israel-based company of Watergen. A single GEN-350 can produce up to 900 liters of water per day. According to Pontes, the GEN-350s will be installed in schools and hospitals throughout Brazil, particularly in areas that lack safe drinking water. Weighing just 800 kilograms, the GEN-350 is easily transportable and can be installed anywhere, even in remote places. It is provided with an internal water-treatment system and needs no infrastructure to operate except for electricity. Brazil has been coping with water shortages in recent years. In 2018, authorities restricted millions of residents to daily water quotas due to a continuous drought. The previous year, Brazil declared an official emergency in hundreds of cities due to a significant lack of water. A number of experts claim that the water shortage in Brazil, which affects more than 800 municipalities across the country, is due to climate change, the rapid expansion of agriculture, poor infrastructure and insufficient planning.

Osem negotiating with Nestlé to sell Israeli snack in U.S. grocery stores

The Israeli snack Bamba could be widely distributed to U.S. food markets in the near future. Osem Group, which manufactures the peanut-butter-flavored treat, has been negotiating with Swiss-based Nestlé, the largest food and beverage company in the world. “[Osem] will see Bamba become a staple in the diet of U.S. kids. Osem itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestlé. If the agreement is finalized, Bamba will be added to Nestle’s baby food division, which distributes such popular brands as Gerber and NAN,” reported the Israeli financial-news site Calcalist. An Osem spokesperson told Calcalist on Feb. 7 that although the firm is working strenuously to sell Bamba in North America via its U.S. subsidiary, it is not in talks with Nestlé over Bamba’s distribution. Bamba, an Israeli childhood and nutritious staple, is credited for reducing Israel’s peanut-allergy rates since it first sold in the 1960s. The treat also comes in a strawberry flavor. A 2015 study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health “involving hundreds of babies under a year old at high risk for developing peanut allergy, established that kids could be protected by regularly eating a popular peanut butter-flavored Israeli snack called Bamba. A follow-up study later showed those kids remained allergy-free even after avoiding peanuts for a year.” Of course, many people cannot eat Bamba if they already suffer from existing peanut-based allergies.